Being the COO of MindTree hasn't taken away the pleasure that Subroto Bagchi experiences while polishing shoes, and the geek guru suggests you slow down to achieve true success, which he found after donning many roles an NCC cadet, a government clerk,  and that of a salesman.

Go Kiss the World, his autobiographical journey, doesn't preach but shows you through vivid memories how humbleness and sincerity can take you to seemingly unreachable peaks, even in this man-eat-man world. Still can't figure if you should pick it up? This conversation with the author should help you decide.

You talk of 'unusual sources' that one should learn from. What are these?
Everything, provided you open your antennae to the world that surrounds you. You need to be wholeheartedly engaged with your environment. My best lessons came from a cucumber seller in Chennai. Just don't think you're the most important person on the earth.  

The biggest tool of empowerment to help one go kiss the world? 
Self confidence and the belief that your life indeed has a purpose.
 
You say one should lead life with care, but also insist one mustn't overplan.
Simply put, deliver today with all heart and soul and look ahead, but don't dwell in the future.
In the fast paced lives of today, how does one "behold" his, as you suggest?
What youngsters do not understand today is that a career is at least a 40 year game. So living your life in fast forward mode is a waste, and so is looking for instant gratification. Take care of your health. You don't want to lose out on the Olympics of your life that you'll be running in your forties. Learn to tap the power of you.

You believe change and displacement is the way to progress. But how does one stay sane amidst all the chaos? Don't self-pity and frown. And, build value for others. When you do that, it has a huge calming effect on you. You've been lucky to have mentors. What about those who don't?
Sometimes, the responsibility to seek a mentor and nourish that relationship is in the hands of the person himself. That is why I say, the power to receive is far more important than the power to give. But even if you don't have a mentor, you need not feel alone in the connected world today, there's an enormity of resources via the Internet, profusion of professional literature and avenues aplenty.

What is the best way to deal with frustration about job and career?
Control what you can. Take charge; it's your own life. Do not expect your job to 'satisfy' you your job is not an animate thing. Build a multi-dimensional life. Give more than you take out of life. Build a long view of time unlikely that you would be frustrated.

Times and ways of living have changed. Do you think your life's lessons are still relevant in today's context?
My life lessons may not be relevant they are not meant to |be eternal. You need to draw your own lessons and navigate based on your own compass and map. Do not just be on the high seas, directionless.

Go Kiss the World, a Penguin publication, is available for Rs 399 all across